Australia Day awards

[freakiness]

It seems everyone agrees Ita was the right choice for Aussie of the year.

People all over the country are honoured for their services above and beyond...

Just curious, but can anyone shed any light on why Alexander Downer was awarded the highest honour?

[polksaladallie]

So Funny.

2 years ago my step father was awarded an OAM in QLD.  He got it for services to the music industry.

Within days, he had ordered a stamp with OAM after his name.  There is a huge photo in their foyer of him and the QLD Governor, and his mini medal mounted underneath.  I must say it does look really nice, and I do feel sorta proud of him....  He loves all the pomp and ceremony.

He was interviewed for the news in their apartment, took around 2 hours Mum said, it was edited down to a 15 min sound bite.  He was not impressed! lol.....

These awards, even the very top ones, were originally supposed to be awarded to unknown or relatively unknown people for their services.  But this plan hs gone down the toilet over the last ten or so years, and the top awards have gone to celebrities for sometimes very little reasons.

I'm sure, Wicks, that you are very proud of your SF.  Did he find it hard to keep it a secret until the day? 

.

[freakiness]

So Funny.

2 years ago my step father was awarded an OAM in QLD.  He got it for services to the music industry.

Within days, he had ordered a stamp with OAM after his name.  There is a huge photo in their foyer of him and the QLD Governor, and his mini medal mounted underneath.  I must say it does look really nice, and I do feel sorta proud of him....  He loves all the pomp and ceremony.

He was interviewed for the news in their apartment, took around 2 hours Mum said, it was edited down to a 15 min sound bite.  He was not impressed! lol.....

😄

Good for him. He deserves to be proud of his award.

[i-need-a-martini]

These awards, even the very top ones, were originally supposed to be awarded to unknown or relatively unknown people for their services.  But this plan hs gone down the toilet over the last ten or so years, and the top awards have gone to celebrities for sometimes very little reasons.

Where do you get that from? Australian of the Year is chosen through the Australia Day Council awards. They have always been awarded to people of note who are role models for other Australians. This award is because the recipient is inspirational in some way so they are usually high profile..

The Australia Day Honours are different. These are awarded to people who have contributed to the country through service or performance of duty in their fields of expertise. These people are usually little known. Alexander Downer (love him or hate him) gets his OA medal for his parliamentary service and foreign affairs skill. He was an excellent Foreign Affairs minister during the Howard years and was an excellent UN ambassador during the Rudd years.

[at_wicks_end]

No, not particularily proud of him.  He can be a very difficult man towards us kids.  He did deserve it though.

I cannot remember if I was told before the announcement or straight after, think it was just  days before. 

[cherry*135]

Alexander Downer was a bit dodgy (turning a blind eye?) over the AWB wheat scandal.

Sometimes well known people can do a lot of community service/good works after they retire from their main career, so there is no reason they couldn't be given an award for that. Just because they are 'well known'' doesn't preclude people from giving to the community in their own time. 

[jonnjenn]

It seems everyone agrees Ita was the right choice for Aussie of the year.

People all over the country are honoured for their services above and beyond...

Just curious, but can anyone shed any light on why Alexander Downer was awarded the highest honour?

"

Could it be his very,very saucy fishnets??

[i-need-a-martini]

Alexander Downer was a bit dodgy (turning a blind eye?) over the AWB wheat scandal.

Yeah well other than THAT lol...

[lurker17260]

I have a problem with people getting honours just for doing the job they are paid for.  Someone close to me got one for basically just pushing his pen at the Dept of Defence. 

It's generally the ones who get the Medal (OAM) in the General Division I have the most admiration for.

[cherry*135]

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

The Honourable Alexander John DOWNER,
Mount George SA 5155
For eminent service to the Parliament of Australia through the advancement of
international relations and foreign policy, particularly in the areas of security, trade
and humanitarian aid, and to the community of South Australia.

http://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/ad/ad2013/Media%20notes%20-%20AC%20%28final%29.pdf

[twinkles**stars]

I have a problem with people getting honours just for doing the job they are paid for.  Someone close to me got one for basically just pushing his pen at the Dept of Defence. 

It's generally the ones who get the Medal (OAM) in the General Division I have the most admiration for.

...but some go beyond what they are paid to do? Make a difference to pepole and country? Do we all not get paid for what we do? iykwim